Meanwhile, in Hawaii.
South Korea’s Navy is partaking in the world’s largest multinational drill and also taking on a leadership role for the first time.
Our defense correspondent Choi Min-jung is on site.
The Rim of the Pacific exercise, the world’s largest international maritime drill, is currently underway in Hawaii.
29 nations, 40 surface ships, 3 submarines, over 150 aircraft, and more than 25,000 personnel, are training in and around the Hawaiian Islands until August first.
Hosted by the U.S. 3rd Fleet, the biennial RIMPAC exercise began in 1971 to ensure the safety and security of the world’s oceans.
RIMPAC 2024, is being held under the theme “Partners: Integrated and Prepared.”
The aim is to build relationships, enhance interoperability, and contribute to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
“Taking part in this maritime exercise for the 18th time is South Korea.”
Around 840 sailors and marines from South Korea arrived in Hawaii last month.
The country deployed two guided missile destroyers, the Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin, and Yulgok Yi I, as well as the Cheon Ja Bong tank landing ship, and the Lee Beom-seok submarine.
And for the very first time, a South Korean commander is serving as RIMPAC’s Deputy Combined Force Maritime Component Commander.
“I am successfully carrying out my duties as deputy commander of the Combined Force Maritime Component Command in RIMPAC 2024. Through this exercise, we will raise the status of South Korea’s Navy by improving joint force command and performance capabilities.”
The commander of U.S. Carrier Strike Group One, which includes the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the Carl Vinson, says South Korea’s leadership role in RIMPAC sets another great example of interoperability.
“Of course a very significant leadership by Captain Moon as the deputy CFMC commander to help direct all of our forces, not just my task force but the amphibious forces, the maritime patrol forces, and everybody participating in the exercise. So, a very significant opportunity, and great to see the Republic of Korea in that position.”
Visitors from around the world came to Pearl Harbor to tour ships from different parts of the world.
Almost 5-thousand visited South Korea’s vessels.
“I always see the ship of Republic of Korea on the Instagram page and I always admire that and it’s so good to be here in person today and to learn about the history and to be on the ship that has been at RIMPAC since 1990.”
South Korea will be taking part in various drills until July 28th.
Choi Min-jung, Arirang News, Hawaii.
Source : Arirang TV, https://www.arirang.com/news/view?id=272995
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